OFFICIAL: RENAME THEATER FOR GLEASON

MIAMI BEACH -- Jackie Gleason helped Miami Beach build a name for itself. Now one city official wants to repay the late comedian by honoring his name.

The city's Theater for the Performing Arts would be renamed the Jackie Gleason Theater for the Performing Arts, under a proposal by City Commissioner William E. Shockett.

"This would be a tribute to Jackie Gleason and all he's done for the city," said Shockett, who knew Gleason personally. "He helped put the theater in the national limelight and he helped put Miami Beach on the map."

The proposal, which comes before the commission today, has garnered "terrific response" from city officials and Gleason's family, Shockett said. "His family thought it was something he would want."

Gleason, best known as Ralph Kramden in the "Honeymooners," died June 24 of colon cancer. From 1964-1970, Gleason broadcast his television variety show from the theater.

The 3,000-seat theater, built in 1950, is part of the Miami Beach Convention Center complex. Originally called the Miami Beach auditorium, it became the Theater of Performing Arts in 1976.

The street in front of the theater is already named Jackie Gleason Drive, and 17th Street is named for Hank Meyer, Gleason's publicist.

Shockett said renaming the theater would be especially appropriate because Gleason was "not just a comedian. He was a musician, a composer, a dramatic actor and a great thinker."

Commssioner Bruce Singer said on Tuesday that he had not heard Shockett's complete proposal. "But it sounds like something the city would be proud of. At the moment, I can only think of positive aspects."

"Jackie Gleason has always been synonymous with Miami Beach," said Singer, who grew up in the community. Gleason lived in the Inverarry section of Lauderhill when he died.

In addition to the name change, Shockett said several other tributes had been suggested.